Fake Businesses And Scams Taking a Tool on Pilgrims of Mahakumbh

Mahakumbh has earned a reputation as the most hyped religious event, which is happening after 144 years. The significance of the event might not be understood by many; however, for some, it is an event of faith and belief. In an estimation, Mahakunbh will be attended by more than 80 crore pilgrims from different parts of the world. UP Government has ensured affordable and hygienic living areas for the pilgrims at a lesser cost. Despite being such a great event, scams have flooded, and pilgrims are being duped with fake products and websites. In a comprehensive list, we have identified some of the most common scams which you can be a part of. 

Fake product- Certain websites dupe customers and pilgrims by selling holy water and beads made out of ashes and rudraksha. Many customers are falling prey to this as they are making payments and adding all the details, but the products never reach the customers. These websites target affluent families and sell the products at a higher price. Older and religious people who are unable to travel to the event are intentionally buying such products allowing scammers to make high profits. UP police have registered cases against 4 individuals and have also arrested them. 

Fake payment and QR- This is mostly affecting the business and to some extent the pilgrims. Many small NGOs and social workers are seeking donations from the people. For virtual pilgrims, donation can only be possible through online payments. Scammers are taking advantage of the online payment and bypassing their accounts. This way scammers are taking control of the account details and are transferring money.
For some business owners, scammers are posing a greater threat as they are pasting different QR codes on scanner boards leading to the transfer of money to a different account that business owners are unaware of. In a fresh advisory, UP police have stressed businesses and pilgrims to cross-check the payment links and show a personal payment QR code. 

Hotels and guest houses- Accommodation is a prime factor for the pilgrims at Mahakumbh. While the UP Government has made official websites, some scammers have replicated the website and are reserving bookings with payment systems while there is no actual booking and just the money is being transferred. These are not just limited to accommodations but also to flights, buses, and many more. These scammers are trying every possible way to act out their duplicity and earn money out of it. 

Stealing personal data- Utilisation of Public Wifi is again a challenge for which scammers may steal your personal information. Once a user is connected to a public WiFi, the Scammers then use it to steal information such as card details and ID cards easing the process of fraudulent transactions. Hence, it is best to avoid connecting to public WiFi. These are some of the advisory being sent by the UP police to all the people that are coming to Kumbh Mela 2025.